(Credit rated by the SQA at SCQF level 8, 34 credits) Befriending Networks has identified vital skills needed by befriending workers in 9 key areas. Look at the different elements that make up the course, see when and where the course is next running & find out how to go for the qualification.

BNS' experienced team can design and deliver training to fit any project's requirements. As well as accepting one-off commissions, we have a large selection of off-the-shelf training packages which can be adapted to your needs.

Common Ground Meetings are provided for anyone working in befriending so that they can meet other people in their area involved in befriending to discuss and explore topical issues and contribute to good practice at a national level.

The BNS Annual Conference is held in October or November every year, taking a theme and exploring its theoretical and practical impacts on the befriending sector (previous themes have included self esteem, resilience and funding). In June 2015, for the first time, we held a conference in Leicester.

“Vital Skills and Developing the Leader has enabled Sean to feel confident in his knowledge and skills whilst at the same time developing new ones. This confidence has resulted in him developing new areas of the project and being proactive in suggesting changes and improvements to the current service – resulting in an improved service for both service users and volunteers.”